Transforming Your Social Programs through
EdutainmentJeromy Koffler
Director of Student ActivitiesUniversity of Portland
October 2009
Purposeful student engagement leads to more successful student transitions into college and better retention rates.
Our goal is to promote life-long learning
We often consider: Will it be fun? We need to also consider: What will they
learn?
Premise
“A form of entertainment designed to educate as well as amuse.” --Wikipedia
“The act of learning through any medium that educates as well as entertains.” --American Heritage Dictionary
What is Edutainment?
Disney’s True Life Adventure Series (1948) National Geographic Documentaries (1973) Elysian World Project (1975)
Origins of Edutainment
Sesame Street Dora the Explorer Mythbusters
Television as a medium
Museums Art Galleries Children’s Discovery Centers Libraries Zoos & Aquariums Botanical Gardens, Forestry Center Farms (pumpkin patches, corn mazes, etc.) Even the Tillamook Cheese Factory!
Location-based
Hands on learning Semi-spontaneous play that enhances
learning ESL classes that are using song lyrics Oregon Trail Computer Game!
K-12 does it well
Bowling alleys, Skating rinks Arcades, Mini-Golf Sports facilities (batting cages, fitness
centers) Sports bars Retail entertainment centers: Game works,
Disney Quest, ESPN Sportszone
MORE SOCIAL, LESS LEARNING
But what about for adults?
Watch & Respond:A Mini-Lesson from the X-Files
Web 2.0, social networking, blogs, wikis One Day University Northfield.org & Community Bank host
“ManZone” (health screenings and info) Itunes University Faith-based Torah program: Loving your
neighbor by “keeping it real” Save a Life Tour: Drunk-Driving simulator
http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/feb/11/learn-and-live/
The Evolution of Teaching & Learning
Band Talent Show Speaker Ropes Course Comedian Game Show Coffeehouse Performance Dance Lessons Skit Icebreaker/Energizer Activity Movie Youtube film creation Magician Demonstration
Moving from passive to active
Recent UP examples: The Values Game!
PlayFair & The “University Social Scene”
Portland Taiko inspires Freshmen to “find their rhythm”
Crossing the Line
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Orienteering Campus Tours
Student Government edutains . . .
